5 Essentials for Furniture Shopping

Furniture shopping can be daunting, but we can help! This guide covers the essential aspects in a fun, digestible way, so you can start shopping with confidence.

Keep reading to learn about:

- Sizing and measurements: Avoid unnecessary heartache and frustration by knowing what size furniture you need before you begin shopping.
- Features and functionality: Upgrade your life with multipurpose furniture like recliners, massage chairs, and gaming chairs.
- Fabrics and leathers: Discover which materials are right for you, your budget, and your lifestyle.
- Colors and moods: Find furniture colors that provide the exact feeling you're hoping for.
- Decor and accessories: Add finishing touches to any room with candles, books, vases, and more.

It's certainly not as glamorous or fun as choosing patterns, picking colors, or shopping for decor. But measuring your space is one of the most important steps when you're planning for new furniture. Without knowing your limitations, you could get stuck with a sofa or table that takes up half your room; or even worse, that you can't even fit through your front door.

Bust out the measuring tape (or a tape measure app) and measure the following:

- All entryways, passages, stairways, and doorways the item will have to pass through. Your new furniture should be at least 4 inches smaller than these measurements. This is the bare minimum you and/or the delivery people will need to move it into its new home.

- Diagonally from all stair and hallway corners to the nearest wall. Remember the legendary "PIVOT!" scene from Friends? It's funny to watch, but a lot less funny when you're the one struggling to do the pivoting. Make sure you'll have enough space to turn corners easily while carrying your new furniture!

- Vertically from the floor to all light fixtures, railings, hooks, and other potential hurdles. Imagine the heartache of picking the perfect armchair, getting it into the house...and then having it snag and rip on a built-in coat hook. Luckily, this can be easily avoided - just get measurements of all permanent fixtures your furniture might pass on its way through your house.

- The length and width of the room the furniture will be placed in. This is self-explanatory. These are the main measurements you can use to determine how much space you have to work with.

- The height of all walls in the room the furniture will be placed in. This is especially important for taller furniture pieces, such as bookshelves or entertainment centers.

- The length and width of any features (fireplaces, radiators, etc) in the room the furniture will be placed in. This will ensure that your new furniture doesn't block the fireplace, sit dangerously close to the radiator, or otherwise disrupt your space.

Many sofas come in "apartment size" options. These are scaled-down versions of items you already love! They look the same as their bigger counterparts and even seat the same amount of people; they're just 20 to 30 inches smaller. So if you've found the sofa of your dreams but aren't sure if it'll fit in your space, don't be afraid to ask if an "apartment size" version is available.

Furniture shopping is an opportunity to upgrade to items with more functions and capabilities. Improve your life by adding a recliner, massage chair, or gaming chair to your living space!

- Recliners, as the name suggests, allow you to "recline," or sit back while raising/extending your legs. And as The Lounge Master puts it, they quickly become "an owner's best friend" thanks to the comfort, relaxation, and support they provide. If you're one of the 8 in 10 people who suffer from chronic back pain, a recliner will provide the improved posture and circulation you need to manage your pain.

- Massage chairs can deliver supreme relaxation and pain relief through various massage techniques, including unusual types like hydromassage (use of pressurized water) and percussion massage (use of quick, repetitive movements). Regardless of which massage type you opt for, a massage chair delivers a wealth of physical and emotional benefits, including stress reduction, improved blood flow, and a stronger immune system.

- Gaming chairs are essential for anyone who enjoys long periods of gaming. Over time, prolonged gaming in a non-gaming chair can create bad posture, which can then lead to arthritis, fatigue, depressed mood, and other challenges. Gaming chairs provide the back, neck, shoulder, head, and hip support you need to sit comfortably in a good posture for hours on end.

It's an ongoing debate in the furniture world: which is better, leather or fabric? As it turns out, there's no right answer. It all depends on your lifestyle, budget, and personal preference. To make your decision easier, here are some pros and cons for each.

Pros & Cons of Leather

PROS:
- Durable: There's a reason why you see so many leather sofas and armchairs in attics, thrift shops, et cetera. High quality leather can last an exceptionally long time. In fact, according to some sources, it can last up to four times as long as fabric! Choose the right leather sofa now, and you could enjoy it for the rest of your life.
- Low maintenance: Contrary to what some may think, leather is not very difficult to care for. Most types of leather need an occasional wipe-down with a mild soap and water mixture and an application of leather cream every few months - nothing else! Spills, splatters, and other accidents are also easy to clean up, making leather an excellent choice for households with pets and/or children.
- Versatile: Leather's timeless look will mesh with pretty much anything. This means that no matter where your life takes you or where your furniture may end up, it will blend in and beautify the space around it.

CONS:
- Expensive: There's no denying it. Leather, particularly the high-quality stuff, is expensive. Although your investment will pay off in the long run, the initial price tag can be hard to swallow. If you need some help bringing home the perfect leather furniture, check out our No Credit Needed financing option!
- Less customizable: Leather is available in many colors, including shades you might not expect, such as bright green or vibrant blue. However, the number of color options for leather is far, far smaller than the nearly infinite choices you have for fabric.
- Sourcing: Depending on your personal beliefs, genuine leather may be out of the question due to where it comes from. In particular, leather furniture clashes with vegetarian and vegan beliefs and lifestyles.

Pros & Cons of Fabric

PROS:
- Inexpensive: Fabric costs much less than leather. Additionally, there are fabric sofas available at every price point! A couch or armchair covered in beautiful fabric is a budget-friendly way to add a splash of beauty and comfort to any room.
- Extremely customizable: Fabrics are available in a nearly endless variety of colors and patterns. When you're shopping for furniture upholstered in fabric, you're limited only by your budget and your imagination.
- Comfortable: Some people are sensitive or even allergic to leather, to the extent that they can't sit on leather furniture. Fabrics don't trigger these sensitivities.

CONS:
- Non-hypoallergenic: Many fabrics trap allergens, such as dust, pet dander, and animal fur. Unless the sofa or armchair is professionally cleaned, these allergens are almost impossible to get out. This makes fabrics a bad choice if you or members of your household suffer from indoor allergies.
- High maintenance: Caring for fabric can sometimes be difficult. In addition to weekly vacuuming, fabric items must be kept away from direct sunlight (which can bleach the fabric and make it fade), humidity (which can seep into cushions and create mold), liquids that can spill and stain, and items that can leave a lingering smell, such as cigarettes and certain foods. If the fabric becomes stained or smelly, it'll likely need a professional cleaning to get back in good shape.
- Less versatile: Since you have such an abundance of fabrics, patterns, and colors to choose from, an item that looks great in its current place may clash with surroundings if it's moved later.

When deciding between leather and fabric, you'll want to consider more than your personal tastes and budget. You'll also want to think about the people, animals, and activities that are part of your everyday life, including:

- Pets: The benefits our pets bring into our lives are undeniable, and they're well worth every mess they make. But if you have a dog or a cat at home - especially if you plan on allowing them on the furniture - purchase items that can stand up to pet hair, slobber, and "potty accidents." Certain types of fabric are easier to clean than others, so if you choose to go the fabric route, choose an easy-to-clean type like polyester or microfiber.
- Children: Children, especially younger children, are at least as messy as pets. If you have little kids running around your home every day, choose durable materials that can stand up to mud, finger paint, food, milk, and anything else that might end up splattered on your furniture.
- Hobbies and habits: Is your home often full of visitors? Choose soft, comfy fabrics that almost anyone will be able to relax on, such as cotton or linen.

Believe it or not, colors can have a powerful psychological effect on people who see them. So when you're choosing colors for your furniture, it's important to focus less on your favorite shades and more on what "feeling" you want your room to give off.

Here's a quick "cheat sheet" that'll help you choose bold colors that evoke the right feelings in your space.

- Red "isn't for the faint of heart," according to HGTV. It's a stimulating color often associated with romance, passion, love, and warmth. Since it's so bold and energizing, avoid red furniture for rooms where peace and tranquility are important, such as bedrooms. Instead, use red to warm up your living room or kitchen, or to brighten up a closet or bathroom.
- Orange is almost as bold and daring as red! Considered the color of "happiness and innovation," orange would be a great choice for rooms that need to feel warm and welcoming, such as an entryway or bedroom. But use it sparingly; color expert Kate Smith advises that "the brighter the orange, the less you need...make sure you're using it in locations you want to be noticed."
- Yellow has several profound psychological effects, including activating memory, stimulating the nervous system, promoting communication, and sparking creativity. It also plays tricks on your senses, making small rooms look bigger and cold rooms seem cozier. These qualities make yellow a wonderful choice for a living room or dining room.
- Green is a crisp color that many associate with nature, growth, and freshness. As color expert Elaine Smith puts it, green is a "color of the planet" and thus "brings the natural world inside" wherever you use it. Some ways you could use green include placing bright green furniture in a gloomy-looking room or a green bench in an entry hall to bring the feeling of the outdoors inside.
- Blue is another of Elaine Smith's "colors of the planet," and can have a calming, peaceful effect on people. For this reason, blue furniture makes an excellent addition to bedrooms, hallways, and other rooms that need a touch of tranquility. It's also seen as a very "fresh" color, making it an ideal choice for bathrooms and kitchens.
- Purple has long been associated with royalty, creativity, and wealth. Lighter purples, like lavender, can make a tiny, dim room feel brighter and happier. If you want to add darker purples, small pieces like stools or ottomans can add richness and depth to your room. Or, you can make your home feel extra cozy with furniture in warmer purples like magenta or maroon.
- Pink, when used sparingly, can make a bold statement in any room. Place deeper pinks (like raspberry) in dining rooms for a flattering light that makes people look and feel good, or pair bolder pinks with dark matte colors to add a touch of whimsy.

When we say "accessories" here, we're not talking about necklaces, rings, earrings, or bracelets. We're talking about the little extras that make a room look beautiful and complete, much like jewelry does for an outfit.

Some extras you may want to consider adding to your space are:

- Mirrors: In addition to looking gorgeous on your wall, mirrors reflect natural light, which gives your room an airier, brighter feel. Mirrors can also make your room seem up to twice as big as it really is, making them a must for smaller rooms.
- Rugs: Rugs do several things for your space. First, they give an area dimension and create a sense of separation from one room to another. Second, they can reinforce your room's color scheme and theme. And third, you can change the rug with the seasons for a festive touch.
- Wall decor: When it comes to wall decor, the possibilities are endless! From classic options like paintings and wall decals to newer trends like baskets and tapestries, you have ample opportunity to take your blank walls and make them truly yours.
- Table and shelf accents: Shelves, end tables, and coffee tables are another blank canvas you can add designs to as you please. Decorate these spaces with homey touches like books, candles, potted plants, and vases!
- Furniture accents: Lastly, liven up your new sofa or armchair with throw pillows and blankets. A good rule of thumb is to add two pillows and one blanket for every sofa, and one pillow and one blanket for every armchair. Don't be afraid to mix patterns and colors here - make your sofa as unique as you are!

"Anchors" are large, standout decor pieces (such as the candles in the picture above). They serve as the focal point for a room or display. Surround your anchor items with smaller items to make your tables and shelves more varied and exciting.

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